We have aggregated and/or streamlined all prior communications on this page as follows. Please check back frequently if you are interacting with Town departments. folder Please visit our COVID-19 Publications folder for downloads.
You can sign up for updates and information about New York State's handling of the virus by visiting the New York Forward website.
---
What to Know About Town Services: updated January 2022
By Dana Levenberg, Town Supervisor
The Municipal Building at 16 Croton Avenue is open to the public Monday through Friday 9am to 4:30pm. Masks are required to be worn by all visitors and employees at Town and Village owned buildings, regardless of vaccination status in accordance with recent CDC guidance regarding mask wearing for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
The Town Clerk's Office has continued their efforts to digitize forms, making them easy to complete and submit online. Click here to visit the Clerk’s page. To contact a specific Town Department, please select the preferred department from the left-hand sidebar on the home page.
At this point COVID-19 vaccines are available at many sites across Ossining, including Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps (OVAC) at 8 Clinton Avenue. Click here to schedule an appointment for anyone aged 5 or older needing an appointment for a first, second or third dose of COVID vaccine. Their vaccination days are Wednesdays and Fridays. OVAC can also perform at-home vaccinations for those who may be homebound, or simply prefer to receive their vaccine in the comfort of their own homes. If you have questions, email , call (914) 941-9196, or stop in their building anytime between 9AM - 4PM on their vaccination days to speak with one of their personnel. To find alternative days and vaccine sites, visit www.vaccines.gov.
The vaccine rollout has resulted in an increase in scams. Call 1-833-VAX-SCAM to report vaccine fraud or abuse. New York State is also managing a hotline for vaccine-related questions: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. Westchester County has activated it's information hotline (dial 211) for residents with questions or in need of services.
You can view current state guidance regarding mitigation measures like masking and social distancing at the New York Forward website. You can review current positive case numbers on the Westchester County dashboard. For the latest information on COVID-19 in Westchester County, visit the County Health Department Website.
We understand the strain the pandemic puts on our local businesses. We encourage all residents to support local businesses as often as possible. Furthermore, the new restrictions may mean a loss of wages for many employees. Any resident in need of services, from food security and healthcare information to senior services and testing information, can call (914-762-6001) or email () if you have any questions or concerns. We also maintain a running list of assistance programs (click here) as part of the Supervisor's Update.
The Ossining Food Pantry is also providing food for Ossining and Briarcliff residents. If you need help feeding your family you can email or call (914) 762-5510 (para español 914-762-5857). Our Senior Nutrition program continues to offer home delivered meals and daily R-U-OK calls. Congregate activities have resumed when safe to do so; masks are required.
Curbside pick-ups for the Food Scrap Recycling program is ongoing. Residential Starter Kits for the Town's Food Scrap Recycling Program with online payment and curbside pickup. Many of you have taken advantage of this new offering. Click here to purchase your residential kit. A few important notes:
- Orders placed online before 5pm will be available for pick up between 10am and noon the following day at Cedar Lane Arts Center.
- Please include your telephone number in the “Instructions to Seller” on PayPal so you can be reached by Town staff.
- Pick up orders outside of Cedar Lane Arts Center. Your order will be labeled with your name. If you have any questions about your delivery, please call (914) 762-6001.
- This service will be available 6 days/week from Monday through Saturday.
- Food Scraps can continue to be dropped off at Cedar Lane during park hours (dawn to dusk, 7 days/week) or at the Ossining Farmer's Market in Market Square (Saturday mornings 9:30 - 11:30 am). Please be cautious and exercise social distancing during drop offs. If someone else is currently at the drop off site, consider waiting in your vehicle until that person has finished dropping off their food scraps. Be courteous of others during this difficult time. If you have any issues, please let us know.
Thank you to all our residents for cooperating during this difficult time. I continue to be inspired by your commitment to slowing the spread and protecting our first responders, essential workers, and vulnerable populations in our community.
---
Frequently Asked Questions from our Residents
Yes. All departments are either having phone calls answered by an inperson staff member or remote employee. If you have difficulty reaching any department via phone, please call the Town Supervisor’s Office at (914) 762-6001. Here are the main phone numbers for Town Departments:
- Assessor: (914) 762-8274
- Town Clerk: (914) 762-8428
- Senior Nutrition Program: (914) 762-1350
- Town Supervisor: (914) 762-6001
- Tax Office: (914) 762-8790
- Building Department: (914) 762-8419
- Highway: (914) 941-2241
- Recreation Department/Community Center: (914) 941-3189
- Dale Cemetery: (914) 941-1155
How can I submit my exemption application?
By email to: ; By mail to: Assessor’s Office, 16 Croton Av. Ossining, NY 10562
How can I update a mailing address or escrow account?
By email to; ; By mail to; Assessor’s Office, 16 Croton Av. Ossining, NY 10562
How can I get a copy of my deed?
Land records are the responsibility of the County Clerk, you may obtain deeds online at: https://www.westchesterclerk.com/land-records
Are tax due dates impacted by the Coronavirus disruption?
Due dates for taxes are not impacted as all services must continue for our residents. As a reminder, property tax regulations are set by the State of New York (Real Property Tax Law) and therefore your Town of Ossining Tax Office does NOT have the authority to make any changes to the due dates of taxes or the penalty amounts without the Governor’s approval.
How are property tax payments impacted by the current conditions, Executive Orders, and Emergency Declaration rules?
Most important to know is that our offices are currently open to the public – just in a different way than in the past. Taxpayers may enter the Municipal Building at 16 Croton Avenue through the front entrance. All tax payments will be accepted in the Lobby (1st Floor) with all CDC recommended protocols in place to assure that employees and our citizens are protected. In addition, you can also make payments in the following ways:
- Online at https://www.townofossining.com/cms/receiver-of-taxes/tax-bill-online-payment . So many of you are using this method of payment. It is easy, reliable/certain and the fee charged by our service provider is minimal -$1.50.
- You can drop a payment into the Town’s dedicated mail slot at the Ossining Post Office Lobby, which is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You must place a stamp on the envelope and the postal workers will postmark your payment.
- You can mail your tax payment to our offices from any mailbox or post office.
- You can use your Bank’s Bill Pay Service (include parcel # on the check and leave sufficient time to arrive in our office - as NO BANK’S DO NOT USE USPS POSTMARKS, and we must have a postmark before the due date to avoid a penalty.)
YOUR Town Tax Office is available to you – we are in the office Monday-Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 to serve you. We can be reached by e-mailing at or by calling at 914-762-8790. We also encourage you to sign up for Tax e-alerts at https://www.townofossining.com/cms/receiver-of-taxes/email-signup-tax-receiver/16-resources/171-email-signup-tax so that you can be informed of relevant events (Bills being mailed and reminders of Due Dates).
I need certain personal documents that only the Town can provide. These are critical documents that can’t wait; how do I get what I need?
The Town Clerk is able to provide important documents. Many are available online; click here to visit the Clerk's page. You can reach the Clerk’s office via phone at (914) 762-8428 or via e-mail at . The office is open to the public from 9am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Are courts open?
The court door is presently open every week day from 9am to 1pm. Please see the Town Calendar for the schedule. Please contact the court in writing if you are license/registration is suspended for any reason. Masks are required for in-person visits to the court.
Are parking rules suspended?
No, parking rules remain in effect so garbage pickup and street cleaning can continue. There is an extension until further notice for expiring permits. Leave your tag in the window.
I live in the unincorporated area of town. Are highway services still being provided? What happens if we have a major storm and heavy equipment is required?
All highway services continue to be provided. If there is a major storm, we are currently prepared to deploy as many essential staff members as necessary to ensure the safety of the community.
Is refuse and recycling pick up continuing?
Yes, Suburban Carting continues to provide regular refuse and recycling pick up to the unincorporated area of the Town. You can view the refuse and recycling collection schedule online or download the app to your phone.
Are the parks and recreation areas closed? What areas of the parks are closed?
Our parks are open, including tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, pavilions, dog parks, and other gathering areas. Residents should follow CDC guidance regarding gathering sizes, social distancing, and mask wearing.
Is the Food Scraps Program at Cedar Lane Park open?
The drop off site at Cedar Lane Park is still open. A secondary drop off site operates at the Ossining Farmers Market each Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30am. We encourage you to sign up for the Ossining Composts mailing list in the event the drop off site needs to be closed. Residential kits are available for online sale and curbside pickup. Click here to purchase your kit online.
How can I access a Building Department Application or Permit Form?
Our Building Department Applications and Permit Forms are
folder
available online
on our website. Call the office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for specific drop off hours and procedure 914-762-8419.
Are inspections going on as scheduled?
Inspections are currently being scheduled. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be maintained during inspections. Call the office for details and information about scheduling an inspection 914-762-8419.
How are meals currently being provided to seniors?
Home delivered meals are being provided to seniors. To learn more about the program, please call the office at (914) 762-1350.
What is the R-U-OK Program? How can I sign up?
The R-U-OK Program are daily calls to seniors to check up! To learn more and sign up, please call the office at (914) 762-1350.
Can I still obtain taxi coupons?
Coupons can be purchased by mail, please call the office for more information (914) 762-1350.
---
Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19
Healthcare
New Yorkers can apply for health insurance through NY State of Health. View plans/options online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call NY State of Health at 1-855-355-5557 for assistance.
Mental Health
The State is partnering with the company Headspace to provide New Yorkers with free meditation and mindfulness resources. We can't underestimate the impact this public health crisis has on mental health. New Yorkers can access a collection of free guided meditations, along with at-home mindfulness exercises and additional resources to help address rising stress and anxiety. Visit www.headspace.com/ny
Support First Responders
To help support our First Responders, New York created the First Responders Fund. The fund will assist COVID-19 health care workers and first responders with expenses and costs, including child care. The State Department of Health is accepting donations for the fund, and received an anchor $10 million contribution from Blackstone. Donations can be made electronically at www.healthresearch.org/donation-form or by check mailed to "Health Research, Inc., 150 Broadway, Suite 560, Menands, NY 12204." Donors should specify the donation is for "COVID-19 NYS Emergency Response."
Economic Relief
Click here to visit the New York State Department of Financial Services' website for more information about available relief for consumers, businesses, student borrowers, and more.
Click here to learn about a variety of assistance programs as they become available.
Advisory For Those Being Released From Isolation
New York State has released an additional advisory for persons being released from isolation. This document indicates when exposed persons can safely return to work. Westchester’s Department of Health has updated its coronavirus help page to include this advisory, as well as a series of frequently asked questions regarding isolation. These documents can be found here.
If a person exposed to or infected with coronavirus finds that their employer requires proof that they are eligible to return to work, letters may be requested here.
The County has resources available for renters who are behind on their payments and facing eviction. Call 211 or contact one of the following agencies directly:
- Legal Services of the Hudson Valley: (877) 574-8529
- Hudson Valley Justice Center: (914) 308-3490
- Westchester County Department of Social Services: (914) 995-3333
Westchester County’s effort to connect small businesses with federal resources continues. Bridget Gibbons, Director of Economic Development, is managing this endeavor. She can be reached at (914) 995-2952 or .
For the latest information on COVID-19 in Westchester County, visit the Health Department Website: https://health.westchestergov.com/
Federal extensions have expired as of September 5, 2021. To learn more about the current state of unemployment insurance benefits, visit the Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance page.
Homeowners in New York State who were financially affected by COVID-19 and are behind on their housing payments can apply for assistance through the State’s Homeowner Assistance Fund between January 3 and February 4, 2022. Visit nyhomeownerfund.org anytime or call 844-77-NYHAF (844-776-9423, Monday - Friday, 9 AM-5 PM) to learn more and apply.
For general inquires contact the call the Hotline: 1-888-364-3065 or Ask a Question. Residents can also call the County's 211 helpline to ask questions.
As widespread cases occur in our area, most people are likely to experience mild to moderate disease with full recovery. In addition to staying informed, you can reduce your risk of becoming infected by wearing a mask when interacting with any person outside your household. Washing your hands often and limiting attendance at gatherings is also found to reduce the likelihood of being infected.
The most common symptoms include fever (typically over 100.4), cough, shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell, headaches, musle pain, and chills. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
Children may experience different symtpoms than adults. Seek medical care immediately if your child has: a prolonged fever (more than 5 days), difficult feeding (infants), severe abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, severe vomiting, change in skin color to a bluish hue, severe skin paleness, patchy skin tone, trouble breathing, rapid breathing, racing heart, chest pain, decreased amount/frequency of urine, lethargy, confusion, irritability, or if your child becomes too sick to drink fluids.
Testing is available for anyone who wants to be tested. Visit covidtests.gov for testing information, including resources for at-home testing and locations of other free testing resources.
{slider=What can I do to protect myself?}
You should consistently take precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue (not your hands), then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Practice social distancing.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wear a mask in public spaces, including office spaces, when interacting with unvaccinated individuals or children.
- Stay home when you feel sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning product that contains bleach.
Masks reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 infection through respiratory droplets. Due to the number of people who do not present symptoms, the CDC recommends wearing a mask in public spaces. Click here for updated mask guidance from the CDC, including which types of masks provide optimal protection and how to wear them.
If you are planning to travel, visit the CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel webpage for the latest travel advisories related to COVID-19.
